Armed terrorists burst into Catholic school and abduct '52 kids'

An armed gang entered St Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, in the state of Niger in Nigeria, and have reportedly kidnapped more than 50 students this morning

More than 50 children have been kidnapped from a school by armed terrorists.

The incident took place at St Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, in Agwara within the state of Niger, Nigeria, where it has been reported that 52 students been abducted in the early hours of Friday morning with the attackers said to have invaded the school.

Police tactical units, military personnel, and other security agencies have been deployed to the area and are combing the surrounding forests in a bid to find the kidnapped students.

A statement from the state force states that the students were kidnapped from the school's hostel by the attackers at around 2am but official number on those abducted and any names have not yet been released. It read: “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel.

“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students."

Police also said it will investigate why the school was open with a directive in place for closure due to "security challenges".

The statement continued: “In view of this, the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.

“He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.”

It comes five days after armed bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi.